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Posted July 15, 2006

Massachusetts VMA

Event: Annual meeting, May 17, MarlboroughAwards (presented April 29 in Framingham): Distinguished Service Award: Dr. James Q. Knight, Ware. A 1973 graduate of Michigan State University, Dr. Knight is director of animal sciences at Becker College in Leicester. Recently, he initiated a drive to help re-establish veterinary services in Afghanistan, and he currently is on a two-month sojourn to educate veterinary faculty in Kabul. Merit Award: Dr. Scott Handler, Sterling; Dr. Gary Patronek, Boston; and the Massachusetts members of Veterinary Medical Assistance Team 1. A 1988 graduate of Tufts University, Dr. Handler works for Webster Veterinary Supply in Sterling. He has assisted with the MVMA's public relations efforts, helped develop its strategic plan, and acted as a liaison with the industry. A 1984 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Patronek is former director of Tufts University's Center for Animals and Public Policy. He now serves as an adjunct faculty member at the center. Dr. Patronek was recognized for his contributions to animal welfare and promotion of the human-animal bond. The Massachusetts members of VMAT-1 were honored for their service to animal welfare and the human-animal bond.Officials: Drs. Julie E. Haller, North Andover, president; David J. Schwarz, Ashland, president-elect; Mary Anna Labato, North Grafton, vice president; Kathleen M. Reilly, Plymouth, secretary; Gail C. Hartman, Leicester, treasurer; and James N. Ross, Buzzards Bay, past president

Student wins a year's tuition

On June 1, during the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Forum in Louisville, Ky., Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. announced that Sarah Judd, a third-year veterinary student from the University of Florida, won the Hill's Big Win Scholarship Challenge. Judd will receive a scholarship for one year's tuition to the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, up to a maximum of $25,000.

Judd said, "Because of this great honor, I am now in a better financial position to begin my career as a veterinary professional after my graduation next year."

Students participated in the Scholarship Challenge short-answer quiz, and the school names of the winners were posted at the Hill's student portal, www.HillsVet.com/vetstudent. Fellow students had the opportunity to go online and cast their vote for their school. The University of Florida received the most votes, winning the scholarship for Judd.

Dr. Hein Meyer, director of Hill's academic affairs, said, "In addition to the many ways Hill's already supports veterinary students, we are excited to offer this scholarship to further encourage students to succeed."